Two riders hurt in latest fall Chavez, Delgado hospitalized

all three horses escape harm

August 20, 1993|By Bill Free | Bill Free,Staff Writer

Day 12 was no better at Pimlico Race Course yesterday.

After four horses died in the first 11 racing days of the summer meet because of breakdowns and a freak starting-gate accident, a spectacular three-horse collision in the last race yesterday sent two jockeys, Santos Chavez and Gilberto Delgado, to Sinai Hospital with injuries.

Pimlico physician Jerome Coller said Chavez injured his left hip and had some apparent head injuries and Delgado was experiencing pain in his lower back.

Coller said both riders were "OK neurologically" and would be examined further at Sinai.

A hospital spokesman said last night that Chavez and Delgado were undergoing tests, including X-rays, and then they would be evaluated before any decision would be made on releasing them.

The good news for a change was that apparently none of the horses received serious injuries from the clash that occurred as they were rounding the turn and heading into the stretch of the ninth race.

Delgado, riding right behind on Sword and Axe, was sent flying through the air when Sword and Axe tried to hurdle Royal Fighter.

Sword and Axe finished the race without Delgado,and Royal Fighter got up and stayed in the area of the collision.

Turner continued on and rode Allens Star to a fourth-place finish but was disqualified and placed last following a stewards' inquiry.

Lusty Bidder, a 28-1 choice, finished first and paid $58.80 to win.

Fourth OTB parlor in works

Tom Lattanzi, corporate relations director for Pimlico/Laurel, said the Riverboat on the Potomac Restaurant in the Southern Maryland waters could become the state's fourth off-track betting facility in October.

Lattanzi said that Riverboat owner Tom Flanagan will soon submit his application for licensing approval to the Maryland Racing Commission.

"Tom has his application together and will file it with the racing commission once he signs a contract with us," said Lattanzi. "We [Pimlico/Laurel] have agreed verbally on a contract with him."

The restaurant is 25 miles south of La Plata and 60 miles north of Richmond.

Hamilton released from hospital

Jockey Steve Hamilton was released from Sinai Hospital Wednesday morning and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Hamilton fractured four ribs and an elbow Tuesday when his mount, Rockville Academy, fell after breaking his right cannon bone just below the knee.

Rockville Academy was euthanized on the track because of the severity of the fracture.